🚩🚩Abuse Trigger warning 🚩🚩
“Why is she still with him when he hits her?”
“She must enjoy it, or maybe she’s weak.”
“That would never happen to me..”
These were just some of the thoughts I had when I was young and… inexperienced.
And that was before I found myself in the same situation I said would not happen to me. Because I “knew better”. 😔
For many years, I was with someone who was very controlling and manipulative.
Someone who knew how to cut me off from everyone I knew and loved.
Someone who was a masterful actor and understood how to psychologically trap their victim without any prison bars.
I had a mask on, and nobody knew.
Sometimes I wish someone would ask.
“Hey, are you OK? Your eyes are a bit puffy.”
“You’re really quiet, even though we were talking about a topic I know you’re passionate about. What’s up?”
“I didn’t see this bruise yesterday. What happened?”
No one asked any questions.
Luckily things are really good for me right now. I have my ever-patient ÜberHub to thank for loving me and healing me, though it took many years. ❤️❤️
However, these type of calls still trigger me on my #Samaritans shift, and tonight was one of those nights.
My breath gets really jagged and my face gets hot as I grip the phone in my hands, and I try my best to hold my composure while listening to my caller. 💔
And I always end up feeling totally drained at the end, but the difference is that I’m safe.
And they are not. 💔💔💔
Please, pay attention to the little things.
Ask them how they are doing.
And just listen.
Remember that women can also be the abuser, and men can find it even harder to reach out for help.
If you’re struggling and you’re in the UK, you can call freephone 116 123.
It’s 998 in USA, or you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
You don’t have to be alone. 🌹